INDIANAPOLIS — The Memorial Day Weekend is special all across the United States, but even more so here in Indianapolis. The city is second only to Washington D.C. in its number of war memorials — the Soldiers & Sailors Monument, Indiana World War Memorial & Museum, University Park, American Legion Mall, Medal of Honor Memorial, Veteran’s Memorial Plaza, World War II Memorial, USS Indianapolis CA 35 Memorial, and Indiana 9/11 Memorial are open to the public year round. In addition, Crown Hill Cemetery has many veteran graves. Indy cares deeply about honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
And Memorial Day Weekend is also when the eyes of the racing world turn toward the Indianapolis Speedway on Sunday when the Greatest Spectacle in Racing takes place for the 107th time. Leading up to the race, visitors can take park in Carb day May 26, Legends Day May 27, and celebrate afterward on May 28 at the Snake Pit.
Festivities for the weekend kick off at The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service on Friday, May 26 at 3:30 p.m. at the Indiana War Memorial. Guests include Brigadier General Marcus B. Annibale, USMC, Governor Eric Holcomb, Mayor Hogsett, Gold Star Families, General Officers of the Armed Forces The Memorial Service will honor Indiana’s fallen servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The event is free and open to the public. The Indiana War Memorial is located at, 55 E. Michigan St.
The AES 500 Festival Parade kicks off on Saturday, May 27 downtown beginning at 11:45. Tickets are $25-$45 and available online at 500festival.com
The 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 begins Sunday, May 28,with the green flag dropping at 12:45 p.m. after the traditional singing of the National Anthem and “Back Home in Indiana.” Broadcast of the race is blacked out in Indianapolis, but the natives know how to get around that! This year, racers include a lot of fan favorites such as Scott Dixon, Alexander Rossi, Tony Kanaan, Will Power, Ed Carpenter, and Conor Daly. However, we can always expect some surprises and twists and turns out on the Speedway in May. The Brickyard is where legends are made.
On Monday, Memorial Day, federal, state and local offices will be closed to the public. In addition, many businesses will be closed so that their employees can have a day off. The Weekly View office will be closed on Monday, May 29.
